The Department of Conservation recently hired its first Native American Tribal Liaison. This position represents an important step forward, as we recognize the need to significantly strengthen our collaboration and engagement with Tribes across the state. As our first ever Tribal Liaison, Crystal brings invaluable expertise and vision to lead the Department in building meaningful relationships with tribal communities. In this role, she will serve as a key advisor on tribal matters, champion inclusive policy development, and spearhead initiatives that strengthen our partnerships with tribal nations across California. In the Q&A below, Crystal provides valuable insights about her background, her vision for tribal relations, and her goals for enhancing collaboration between the Department and tribal communities.
Q: Can you tell us about your experience and background?
A: “Michuksus (Hello)! I am Crystal Blue; I am Miwok/Nisenan, which are tribes from the Sacramento Valley and I’m a Tribal Citizen of Ione Band of Miwok Indians. I am honored to serve as the new and first Tribal Liaison for the Department of Conservation.
I am from Sacramento; I grew up in North Highlands. I attended undergrad at UC Davis, and I earned my Master’s in Tribal Administration & Governance from the University of Minnesota, Duluth. I have over two decades of experience working for and on behalf of tribes and tribal communities in various capacities. My journey has been rooted in education, advocacy, community development and empowerment, and partnership-building.
Before joining DOC, I worked for United Auburn Indian Community, where I developed educational programming and policies to support community growth. In that role, I valued empowering tribal community members through education, cultural enrichment, and skill-building opportunities. Prior to that, I worked for Yocha Dehe Wintun Nation serving as the Director of Institutional Development for the California Tribal College initiative, where I supported the foundational development of the initiative and worked closely with tribal partners to ensure their voices shaped the college’s development. In that role, I valued working directly with tribes and advocating on behalf of their community’s needs and vision.
Community wellness and healing are important to me, and as such, since 2016, I have served on the Board of Directors as the Tribal Liaison for the Sacramento Native American Health Center. Recently, I was also appointed to the Board of Directors for G.I.R.L.S Rock Sacramento, which is a non-profit organization that empowers youth through music and creative expression.
Q: Tell us more about you and what makes you passionate about this work?
A: “My culture and ancestors’ knowledge, sacrifices, and teachings are invaluable to me. I value the importance of honoring tribal sovereignty, cultural preservation, and the need for strong intergovernmental relationships. I am passionate about ensuring tribes have a voice in decisions that impact our lands, resources, and communities.
Tribal knowledge and stewardship have sustained California for generations, and I see my role as helping to bridge the gap between California tribal nations and the DOC so we can work together in a way that respects tribal sovereignty and tribal knowledge, and uplifts California as a whole.”
Q: What is one thing you wish people knew about tribal relations? Or common misconception? And how can department staff better support tribal engagement efforts?
A: “Tribes across California are extremely diverse. Each tribe is a distinct sovereign nation with its own government, history, culture, traditions, and priorities. Effective tribal engagement requires an understanding that there is no ‘one size fits all’ approach. The best way staff can support tribal engagement is by taking time to build relationships and trust, listen with sincerity, engage with respect and willingness to learn, understand and learn about California’s history with tribes and today’s effects, and understand and believe that tribal consultation is not just a ‘checkbox’ – it’s an ongoing process of collaboration and respect.”
Q: What opportunities do you see in this position?
A: “There is an opportunity to strengthen partnerships between the DOC and California tribes in a way that honors tribal sovereignty and traditional ecological knowledge. I look forward to enhancing DOC Tribal Affairs, expanding and fostering meaningful engagement, and ensuring tribal perspectives are included in DOC efforts. There is much potential to integrate tribal knowledge into the DOC strategies, and I am excited to support pathways for that to happen.”
Q: Which tribal teaching or lesson has had the most profound impact on your professional journey?
A: “There are several teachings that have great impact on my growth and journey. A teaching that sticks with me is that, while our people experience and inherit intergenerational trauma, our people also inherit intergenerational resilience. For me to be here is a miracle, as my people were not meant to be here today due to the genocide and violence that was committed against California Indian peoples.
It’s always been important for me to understand where I come from, and remember and honor my ancestors’ histories, sacrifices, and teachings. I have been taught that where there is trauma, healing is the answer. These teachings have been influential on my healing journey. I have a responsibility to my people and my community, and I do not take it lightly; it’s truly an honor.”
Q: What are some good benchmarks to indicate successful tribal engagement and relationship-building?
A: “Successful tribal engagement includes building trust and fostering long-term relationships. A key benchmark is when tribes feel that their voices are truly heard and that their input influences decisions in a meaningful way. Another indicator is when consultation shifts from being reactive to proactive, with ongoing dialogue happening early and well before decisions are made. Success can be seen when DOC goals and tribal priorities are aligned. Successful tribal engagement is measured in relationships, trust, and shared commitment to California stewardship. “
We are thankful to Crystal for sharing her insights and vision. Her experience and commitment to building relationships with tribal communities will be vital for our department. As we work to strengthen our partnerships with tribes in California, Crystal’s leadership will guide us towards more inclusive and collaborative methods. We anticipate the positive impact she will have in this important role.
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